Sunday, July 20, 2014

"“Operation Protective Edge": Self-defence?

The ‘right to self-defence’ can only be invoked in the case of armed attack by one State against another.

Needless to say, Israel continues to exercise effective control over the Palestinian Territory, including the Gaza Strip.

Israel claims that it launched “Operation Protective Edge” in order to defend itself. However, the alleged “threat” originates from within, and not outside, the territory under Israeli full control. Accordingly, Israel cannot invoke the right to self-defence vis-à-vis the Gaza Strip, nor any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.